On May 11, 2024 at approximately 9:52 PM, Precinct 8 Deputy Camarillo with Constable Phil Sandlin’s Office observed a white Lexus sedan traveling at a high rate of speed in the 14500 block of the Gulf Freeway. Deputy Camarillo caught up to the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The driver was identified as 42 year old Brandon Shane Smith. While speaking with Smith, Deputy Camarillo detected multiple signs of intoxication and observed open alcoholic beverage containers inside the vehicle. Deputy Camarillo directed Smith to step out of the vehicle. Smith failed to comply and fled the scene. Deputy Camarillo pursued the vehicle and lost sight after the vehicle turned off its headlights.
Deputies continued to search the area and observed a major crash in the 12900 block of the Gulf Freeway service road. Deputies responded to the crash and observed the suspect vehicle was involved in the crash. Further investigation revealed the suspect vehicle struck a Dodge truck causing it to roll over.
Reporting witnesses observed Smith exit his vehicle immediately after the crash and evade on foot. Deputies located Smith running across a nearby parking lot and he was apprehended. Deputy Camarillo administered the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and determined Smith was unable to operate a vehicle safely. A check of Smith’s information revealed three prior convictions for Driving While Intoxicated and one prior conviction for Evading.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and accepted felony charges for Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or More and Evading Arrest/Detention with Vehicle. Smith was transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center where his bonds were set at a total of $60,000. Two victims from the Dodge truck were transported to an area hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
